Bernanke’s $250,000 fee for speech puts him near top of food chain

Former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke’s reported $250,000 for a speech in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday puts him in rarefied air of public speakers, experts said.

With one speech, Bernanke exceeded his $199,700 annual salary as Fed chairman in 2013.

Former President Bill Clinton is said to receive more for a speech. Hillary Clinton is close, pulling down a reported $200,000 for each appearance. Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, is also said to receive hefty speaking fees.

Former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, who served at the Fed from 1979-1987, still commands $40,000 for a speech.

Bernanke gave a speech in South Africa Wednesday and will speak in Houston on Friday. A spokeswoman for the Brookings Institution, where Bernanke is a distinguished fellow, referred questions about Bernanke’s speeches to the Washington Speakers Bureau. A spokesman for that firm was not available for immediate comment.

Matt Eventoff, owner of Princeton Public Speaking, a firm that trains executives to give speak in public, said Bernanke will be highly desirable as a speaker for at least the next two years.

“Here is a person who left one of the most powerful positions in the world and left in good graces. He’s obviously going to be on of the most desirable speakers in the world,” Eventoff said.